I help workers use data to support the company's goals, by leveraging my storytelling skills and understanding of corporate culture. Over two decades, I’ve used storytelling to drive change and foster a positive culture. I taught college courses on ethics through the lens of storytelling—helping students find the intersection between traditional narratives and personal ones. I learned from my corporate experience that storytelling has its limits and giving employees more power is essential. When employees lack the tools and skills to participate in a shifting world, they become demotivated, even when the stories are persuasive.Empowerment and storytelling converged in my role leading the employee engagement program at Northwestern Mutual. Partnering with Communications, we identified and platformed successes while empowering managers through training, coaching, and mentoring, to create an inclusive environment where employees could experience belonging. This work relied heavily on data, which inspired me to pursue data literacy and capabilities to enable employees.My work on projects that improved the organizational culture aligned with the efforts of Employee Resource Groups. As an ERG member, leader, and HR analyst, I discovered inspiring stories of employees working within and adjacent to their employers that made me optimistic. Optimism is hard-earned for me, especially after my graduate school work introduced me to some of America’s most distressed urban areas. Despite the ongoing difficulties in these communities, through ERGs, I have witnessed how diverse groups can collaborate to address problems.In my view, we need informed optimism woven within compelling stories to address humanity’s challenges. Today, I work for SC Johnson, a company focused on sustainability, and sit on the board of Racine’s Eco-Justice Center, an organization that has turned on old farm and into a place to educate our community about environmental issues.My career journey, a testament to the power of storytelling and data, has consistently empowered individuals and laid the foundation for a positive culture. From my early days as a professor, through my roles at Northwestern Mutual and SC Johnson, I have consistently empowered individuals to become active participants in their organizations. My passion for storytelling has not only equipped employees, but it has also linked their work to the broader narratives of their organizations. Continuing at SC Johnson and Racine’s Eco-Justice Center, I’m eager to empower and promote sustainability as we build a better world.